One of the most important things I've learned about working with middle school kids is what I call layering. I believe that they can do great, great things, but one of the fundamental limits they have is that they can only think of one or two things at once. So, when we have a tech day, it starts at 8:30 with the stage crew. We go over all the set changes and then run it. Then we have the older kids come and run it again. Then we have the younger kids come and run it again.

On Saturday, we use props and lights. On Monday, we do props, lights, and costumes. On Tuesday, we do props, lights, costumes and hair. On Wednesday we do props, costumes and hair and makeup.

When I teach a large musical number, I find if we get the general contours down--or if everyone learns the melody, then it's easier to go back and teach a few kids the harmony or different steps or whatever.

This took me years to learn this approach as in professional theatre it's usually opposite--you basically rehearse everything as it's going to be right from the start. When I started teaching middle school, I had this same orientation, but it never worked that well and over the years, through trial and error (mostly error) I finally figured out the approach I now use which I think of as layering.

I learned this in a theatrical context, but I believe that the principle can be applied to nearly every endeavor where an adult wants a student to accomplish something that is complex and difficult.

As adults, I think we're a bit more accustomed and developmentally able to think in multi-dimensional terms. Middle school kids aren't like that. They need to master one thing. Then you add another. And another. So get the room clean. Then add another small thing. And another. And another--and throw in lots and lots of rewards along the way.

This can be hard for me sometimes. I know I can't expect them to do things at my ability, but it is hard to know when they are doing things to the best of their ability and when it is time to add another layer.

Reply

Braden

3/3/2012 08:45:57 am

You know I'm tempted to send my posts to you first because you ask really good questions that I wish I would have addressed in the post. I think the question of when is a good one and I need to give it more thought. I sort of do it by instinct and gut feeling, so I'm not sure what the indicators are. I think maybe it has to do with consistency and mastery of the mechanics as opposed to the quality. When they can do something reasonably successfully, if not perfectly, I think that's when I add a new layer. I need to give that some thought, though.